LOLER testing: how often, and what a thorough examination is

When a thorough examination is due

• Before first use, unless the equipment is new and came with a declaration of conformity made not more than 12 months before it is put into service.
• After installation, and after assembly at a new site, where safety depends on how it was installed.
• At least every 6 months for equipment that lifts people and for lifting accessories such as slings and chains.
• At least every 12 months for other lifting equipment, such as forklifts, vehicle lifts and goods-only tail lifts.
• Or to an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person, instead of the fixed intervals.
• After exceptional circumstances liable to put the equipment's safety at risk.

These triggers are regulation 9 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Source: LOLER 1998, regulation 9 (legislation.gov.uk)

Is a load test part of it?

Not always. The thorough examination is a check for defects by a competent person, and testing is part of it only where the examiner decides it is needed. Where it is, the report must give the particulars of the test, under Schedule 1 of the regulations.

Source: LOLER 1998, Schedule 1 (legislation.gov.uk)

What the examiner must do

The person making the examination must tell the employer at once of any defect that is or could become a danger, make a written, authenticated report as soon as practicable, and send a copy to the enforcing authority where a defect carries an existing or imminent risk of serious injury.

Source: LOLER 1998, regulation 10 (legislation.gov.uk)

HSE's approved code of practice for LOLER is L113.

Source: HSE L113: safe use of lifting equipment